Chapter 109.1: Like a child
The door of the room was opened, and a lovely girl peeked inside.
Myria came into the room with sparkling eyes, wearing a white flower crown in her light purple hair like a violet flower. Arnold glared at Oliver, but Oliver bowed and left the room.
“Myria-sama, are you ready for the celebration coming up?
Rishe asked as she hugged Myria, who returned a smile akin to a broken flower.
“Yes, I’m all set!”
After all that had happened yesterday, Myria had stoutly offered to resume the festival to Schneider and her father.
The duke objected, but Myria shook her head. When her father told her about her origins, Myria took it all in and said.
[I am the Maiden Priestess, am I not? Then I want to play my part properly.]
[Myria…]
[I want my mom and my dad, who had protected me all these years, to see me in my best.]
Hearing this, the Duke cried and was appeased. Thus, the festival was to resume later.
After finishing her preparations, Myria was dressed in her Maiden Priestess’s white dress.
“How are you feeling?”
“I was so sleepy yesterday, but today I’m fine!…I’ve heard that after the festival, you will immediately hold the ceremony to break off your engagement to your former fiancé, and then return to Garkhain.
“Yes. That’s what we’re preparing for.”
Rishe nodded with a wry smile.
From the start, she had made a lot of demands in order to come to this Grand Shrine. With her wedding preparations underway, she couldn’t hold Arnold indefinitely.
“I’m so sad to say goodbye.”
“Myria-sama…”
Myria looked down with a tearful expression, and Rishe felt suddenly sad.
I’ve long known it. In this life, I can’t always stay by my lady’s side.
Myria was a beloved young miss for Rishe.
She was willful, a tomboy, and most of all, an incredibly lovable and kind girl. From the day she met Myria at the age of eleven until the day she married at the age of fifteen, she had watched her grow up.
In the midst of all this, she regarded her like a younger sister.
But that was a life that would never return no matter how lonely I am…
“You know, Rishe-sama…”
A small hand grasped Rishe’s hand tightly.
“I’m going to bid you farewell now, but even if I don’t see you often…”
“Myria-sama…?”
“Rishe-sama, can I think of you as my big sister ?”
Myria couldn’t possibly tell how surprised Rishe was.
Resisting the urge to cry with joy, Rishe bent a bit. Then she stroked Myria’s shyly tinted cheek and smiled.
“I would be very happy to have a sister like you, Myria-sama.”
“Wa…!”
Rishe hugged Myria tightly as she squealed with joy.
Then she pulled, looked at her, and laughed. Myria then ran towards Arnold.
“Your Highness, Crown Prince!”
“…”
Arnold regarded Myria in silence, but the carefree Myria wasn’t intimidated.
She plucked at the hem of her dress and gave a ladylike bow.
“Papa…Father told me Your Royal Highness helped us. Thank you, Your Royal Highness.”
“…”
Rishe looked at Arnold, inwardly chilled.
To Arnold, Myria was his blood cousin. Myria didn’t know that, but Arnold must have had some reservations on the matter.
I’m sure that His Highness had his own concerns about Myria-sama, but he won’t claim her as his cousin…
Arnold replied to Myria with a cold tone and frosty eyes.
“I helped because my wife wanted it, nothing more.”
“Um, I see…”
Myria’s shoulders slumped, and she immediately displayed a look that said, “I’ve got an idea.”
“But, Your Royal Highness is going to marry Rishe-sama, aren’t you?”
“What about it?”
“Then, Your Royal Highness is my big brother!”
“………………”
Arnold raised a pensive eyebrow at Myria’s remarks.
Seeing this, Rishe couldn’t help but laugh.
“Um, pfft!”
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. I think you’re right, Myria-sama. After all, His Highness Arnold is the man who will be my husband.”
Rishestroked Myria’s head and looked into her honey-colored eyes and said.
“Think of us as family…Not only me, but also His Royal Highness, Arnold.”
“My pleasure! Rishe-sama, I’ll do my best for the festival!”
Myria jumped up and down and smiled at Arnold.
“Your Highness. I also hope you’ll have a look.”
“…”
“Well then, I’m sorry for disturbing you!”
Myria excused herself cheerfully and quickly left the room. From the other side of the door, Leo’s scolding voice could be heard, but it was drifting further and further away.